Arcam A15+ Integrated Amplifier

The A15+ occupies the middle of the Radia+ range, and it has a clear identity: it is the amplifier you choose when you want everything the A5+ offers, plus the ability to connect your television. HDMI eARC is not a gimmick at this price — it means a single cable carries both audio and control signals between your TV and your amplifier, giving you proper hi-fi sound from streaming services, films and broadcast audio without a separate soundbar or AV receiver. At 80 watts per channel with 0.002% THD, it also has more headroom than the A5+ for larger rooms and more demanding speakers.

Where the A15+ Sits in the Radia+ Range

The Radia+ range gives you three clear steps. The A5+ is the entry point: 50 watts, phono stage, lossless Bluetooth, no HDMI. The A15+ adds HDMI eARC and steps up to 80 watts. The A25+ goes further still with Class G amplification, 100 watts and a USB-C input for direct computer connection.

The step from A5+ to A15+ is straightforward to assess. If your television is part of your listening setup — streaming services, films, sport in decent sound — the A15+ is the right starting point. HDMI eARC also means your TV remote can control the amplifier volume via CEC, which simplifies daily use considerably. If the TV is irrelevant and your room is moderate in size with efficient speakers, the A5+ will do everything you need at a lower price. If you want Class G efficiency or are running large floorstanders, the A25+ is the answer.

Sound Performance

Eighty watts into 8Ω — and 120 watts into 4Ω — gives the A15+ noticeably more authority than the A5+ in demanding situations. The step up in power is not just a headline figure: it means the amplifier is working less hard at the volumes where most music is actually listened to, which has a direct effect on dynamics and low-level clarity. The 0.002% THD figure matches the A25+ flagship, reflecting the same commitment to clean amplification across the range.

The A15+ inherits the selective module power-down approach from the A5+: Bluetooth and trigger circuits are powered down when not in use, reducing the noise floor during pure analogue or digital playback. The phono stage is the same properly implemented MM circuit — 47kΩ impedance, RIAA accuracy within ±1dB — so vinyl listeners are not being asked to use a token phono input.

Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless transmits lossless audio from a compatible source, not a compressed approximation. Auracast support adds broadcast capability for multiroom use. For digital sources connected by optical or coaxial, the A15+ accepts up to 192kHz/24-bit. The frequency response across analogue and digital inputs is 20Hz–20kHz ±0.2dB — flat within the audible range.

Build Quality and Design

The A15+ is slightly taller than the A5+ and A25+ at 98mm rather than 83mm, and heavier at 10kg, which reflects a larger transformer appropriate to the higher power output. Width and depth are identical at 431 × 344mm, so it sits cleanly alongside other Radia+ components on a standard equipment rack. The aluminium front panel is identical in finish and layout to the rest of the range.

The chassis and internal construction reflect Cambridge engineering standards. The build quality is noticeably better than many competitors at this price, and the finish is consistent across the Radia+ range — if you are building a matched system, the A15+ will sit alongside a streamer or CD player without visual compromise.

Connectivity and System Matching

The rear panel carries three RCA line inputs, an MM phono stage, optical and coaxial digital inputs (up to 192kHz/24-bit), HDMI eARC and Bluetooth 5.4. A headphone output handles 16Ω–2kΩ loads. Pre-out for an external power amplifier is included. No USB-C — that is exclusive to the A25+.

The A15+ pairs naturally with the Arcam ST25 network music streamer via coaxial or optical — both are products built to the same engineering standard. For physical media, the Arcam Radia CD5 connects via coaxial and integrates cleanly into the system. On the speaker side, the 80 watts available means the A15+ handles most bookshelf and mid-range floorstanding speakers without strain — KEF LS50 Meta, Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3 and Fyne Audio F302 are all strong pairings.

For home cinema, the HDMI eARC input means the A15+ can serve as the audio hub for a two-channel TV system. It is not a multichannel AV receiver — if you need 5.1 or Dolby Atmos, look at the Arcam AV range. For a stereo setup that also handles TV audio properly, the A15+ does it in a single box.

Technical Specifications

Who Is the A15+ For?

The A15+ is for the listener who wants a serious two-channel system that also handles TV audio through HDMI eARC — one box, one remote, no compromises on either. It also suits anyone stepping up from the A5+ who needs more power for larger speakers or a bigger room. If you have no interest in HDMI eARC and your room and speakers are modest, the A5+ is the more economical choice. If you want Class G efficiency and USB-C, the A25+ is the logical next step.

Buying from Martins Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968. Elizabeth Gould runs the business today, and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind. Arcam have been a core part of our range for many years — Dave and Chris can talk you through whether the A5+, A15+ or A25+ is the right fit for your room and your speakers, and have it set up in our Norwich showroom for you to hear.

Contact us at info@martinshifi.co.uk, call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martins Hi-Fi page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.